Variety (December 1925)

t CABLE ADDRESS, VARIETY, LONDON 8 St. Martin VARIETY'S LONDON OFFICE H H P F T O N CABLE ADDRESS, V tin'. Place, Trafalgar Square F \^ IV ILi 1 \* 1^ 2096>3199 Regent Wednesday, December 2, 1825 NEW PUYS DUE IN PARIS Paris, Nov. 14. A revue, with Marguerite Plerry, la helng rehearsed at the Palais Royal, to replace "The Five o'clock Man." A new revuo Is also due this month at the Casino d« Paris, following the new show at the Moulin Kouge. "La Granc'e 8amain»" ("The Gr«at Week") by L- Vernfull, at the Varietcs, with Max Dearly. A. Lefaur, Pauley, H. Laverne, Marcelle Lender, Blanche Montel. "Ces Dames du 12" ("The lAdles at No. 12") farce by Gaston Leroux, from a novel by Andre Dahl, at the Scala, and "Jim, la Houlette" ("Jim the Crook") by Jean Gultton, with C. de Rochofort. "Qui se Defend Est Maitre" ("Ho Who Defends Himself la Master"). •r "L'Archer Valncu" ("Vanquished Archer") by Boussac de St. Marc, at the Amblgu, with Gretlllat and Bourdcl. "Le Joueur de Viola" ('The Viola Player"), 4-act lyrlctil drama by Raoul Laparra, at the Opera Comique. "Le Dompteur" ("The Tamer"), by Alfred Savolr, from a story by J. Thery, at Theatre Michel, with Debucourt and Mmo. Splnelly. "Maurin des Maures," operetta by Bussy, from novel by J. Alcard, mu.sic by Leo Pouget, at FoUes Dramatlque, with Tramol and Yvonne Yma. "Annette" S-act operetta by Sacha Gultry, music by Andre Measager, at Theatre Edouard VU, and "Mozart" by same author, music by Rey- naldo Hahn. "La Fleur Sous Lee Veux" ("Flower In Sight") French version of Italian piece by Fausto Maria Martini, at the Malson <Jc I'Oeuvre, with Mme. France EUys. "Princesse d'Elide" or "Plaisire de I'ile Enchantee" ("Pleasures of the Enchanted Island") of Moliere, with Marthe Regnler, for the inaugura- tion of Baron Henri de Rothschilds neW playhouse In the Rue PIgalle, probably to be named the Theatre Moliere. "Un Larche ("Coward"), By H. Lenormande, at Theatre des Arts. "Le Manage de Maman" ("Mamma's Wedding"', by L uls Verneull, at Antolne, with ArqullUere, Gaston Dubosc and author. GRACE CHESTER Featured Novelty Songstress Xow In her second month at the Club Dover, 105 West 51st Street, New York. Miss Chester Is a per- sonality comedienne who has built I large personal fpllowInR for her- self In the smart metropolitan sup- per clubs. Appearing nightly at New York's funnleet, fastest, zlppl- sst night club, where Grace Chester ;ontributes her modest mite to the general merriment. Ddlys Score in New Ca»iio Revue ART D. YATES, LEGALLY 'DEAD/ IN HARTSVILLE Former English Actor-Man- ager Disappeared from Lon- don in 1921—Left $15,000 HartsvUle, S. C, Dec. 1. Arthur Dupasquler Yates, 6B, former English actor and manager, recently declared legally dead by a pritlsh court following his mysteri- ous disappearance from London In 1921. is alive. Mr. Yates Is appar- ently well and hanpy on the farm l»f his broth'er-'m - law, Marlon Moore, near hfre. His older brother died a few weclo ago, leaving Yates a legacy In London of $15,000. Two other brother* In Kngland, not Hnowing where Arthur Yates was, succeeded In having him declared'legally dead. A friend of the Bupposod dead man, then !n London, knowing where Arthur was, cabled him. The latter rrvo;iled his whereabouts, the Eng- lish court reversed Its finding and Mr. Yates Is again legally alive and entitled to the Inheritance. Arthur Yates Is the youngest son of Edmund Hodgeson Yates, Eiig- li.xh novelist and journalist, and the grrandson of PYederick Henry Yates, English actor. He himself went on the stage In 1880 with the Gilbert- Sullivan production, "Patience." For five years he played in dlKerent theatres and ended his car'^er In 18S5 when becoming m.inager of the Drury Lane theatre, I^indon. Mr. Yates plans to spend the re- m.Tinder of his days In this lilllo South Carolina ha'»)ilat. His show days are over. Mrs. Y.T.tes Is with him. She Is an Invalid and her husband devotes most of his time to her. DOLLYS SUED 1110,000 Damages Asked — Walked Out of Show—Mistinguett Figures Paris, Nov. SI. Pierre Foucret Is bringing action against Rosle and Jenny Dolly, claiming 550,000 francs ($110,000) damages for non-execution of con- tract, alleging the Dolly Sisters were given suitable parts In the present revue, which they refused to accept after rehearsing for,some' days. The American girls contended the roles distributed were not compat- ible with their supposed rating as stars of the show, as stipulated In their contract, and which were given by the producers In oEder to freeze them out of the bill after the en- gagement of Mme. MiHtinguett, who Vai ultimately booked. New Floor Show at Picadilly Cabaret London, Dec. 1. The new show at the Piccadilly Cabaret opened last night minus Its famed chorus. Sophie Tucker, doubling with the Alhambra (vaudeville) and Kit Cat Club, is doing seven shows daily. She was greeted nicely but revealed this establishment to be a difficult place In which to make good with talking numl>ers. White and Manning, dancers, had to materially alter their routine so as not to conflict with Hal Sher- man. This pair offered clever acro- batic dancing but were at a dis- advantage on appearance through questionable taste In dressing. Hal Slicrnian was ea.'sily "in" and uncovered a couple of burled aces while cleaning up. Margaret McKee whistled pleas- ingly. Paris, Dec. 1. "Paris qui Chante" ("Paris that Sings") la the Utle of Leon Vol- terra'8 new revue at the Casino, opening Saturday (Nov. 28). The show looks to be a certain success and marks the re-entrance of the Dolly Sisters after their controversy with the Moulin Rouge manage- ment. Besides the Dollys, Maurice Chevallar, the biggest Taudeville star In France, la starred. This gorgeoua e^ttravagansa haa been authored by Saint Granler, Le Seqeux, etc. It Includes Dora Duby, Valbel, Lily Scott, Lilly Mounet, Uowe Sisters, Y v e 11 e Darnys, Yvonno Vallee (^Chevalier's part- ner). Gabaroche (comedIah>. Plzolla, Tiller Girls (16>, and Rosefate and Capella, dancers. The Dollys, Chevalier, Dora Duby and the Tiller Giria es^>eclany scored. Two Shows Suddenly Close in London London Dec. 1. Two sudden closings Saturday night (Nov. 'J8) when, without pre- vious announcement, ''Nicolette" departed from the Duke of York's, and "Carry On Sergeant" teiml- nated at the Oxford. Another departure Is listed for Dec. 19 when "The Green Hat" Win leave the Ad>-lrihl to be fol- lowed by the Trlx .';|.sters* show. This latter w.\s ori^Titially sched- uled for the Shaftsbury. LESLIE HENSON'S BRIEF VISIT London, Dec. 1. Leslie Ilenson will leave "Tell Me More" the middle of this week to sail for the States to view "Kid Boots," scheduled t^ follow the for- mer piece here. Henson will rejoin the cast on Boxing Day. He Is replaced by Guy Fane. Another departure from the cast Is Elsa McFurlane, who will leave the show Dec. 28. Loaded with Handicaps; "Ring o' Bells," Sure Flop London, Dec. 1. About everything that could be wrong with a comedy drama Is ail- ing "Ring O' Bells," Archibald Net- tleford's entrant at the Comedy. A. Nell Lyons Is the author. The book Js bucolic, tiresome, un- interesting and badly played. It seems a sure failure. Why Cable a "Pipe?" London, Dec. 1. A haphazard rumor is floating around ever here that Famous Players will take over a hugh pic- ture studio to be erected by the Chamber of Commerce of Brighton. The "pip© stuff" In stories are slowly, but surely, pushing through over here, too. Morris-Foster Show Lonilon, Dec. 1. William Morrbi and Harry Foster — are planning to produic a musical for the West End, in I«-obruary. Harry Lupino Dies Lonilon, Dec. 1. Harry Lupino, famous clown and father of I>upino Lane, died here yesterday (Nov. 30). "MERRY WIDOW" IN LONDON IvOiiiliin, Dec. 1. Metro-Golilwyn's "Merry Widow," Mtaniiig Mae Murray, f.avor.ably impr«KK«id upon prominrinK at the Tivoli. A Message from Shore or Ship will ^arantee a Room at THE PiCCADBLLY WHERE ALL THE SHOW FOLK STOP Cable Addrew: PIOUDILLO, LONDON CIRCUS PEOPLE GOING OVER Ijondon, Dec. 1. May Wirth and her family. Van Norman, Colonel and Mrs. Jos. Mil- ler, and a troupe of 25 Indians, be- sides a half dozen cowboys and cowgirls, are due to be on the "Ma- jestic" when sailing from New York this Saturday (Dec. 5). The group Is coming over for the Olynipla Circus, which opens here Dec. 21. SAILINGS Dec. 16 (Paris to New York) Harry Rapf (Majestic), Dec. S (New York to London) May, Mrs. M. W.. Stella and Phil Wlrth, Andre Chariot, Van Norman. Colonel and Mrs. Joseph Miller (Majestic). Doc. 2 (New York to I/Ondon) Herbert Mundin (Aquitanla). Nov. 28 (London to New York) Qneitiie Thom.as (Pcrenparia). Nov. 25 (London to New York) Heo Jackson (Majestic). Nov. 24 (Boulogne to New York) Mr. and Mrs. Melville Rosenow 1, Volcndam). A Manager's Challenge By M. WILL80N DI8HER PARIS OPENIN(;s If You Don't Advertise In "VARIETY" Don't Advertise London, Nov. 23. Nigel Playfair haa Issued a challenge; no playgoer can af- ford to Ignore It. His hand- somely bound and beautifully Illustrated "Story of the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith," Just published by Chatlo & Wlndus, Is a bold attack on crttics, actors, publicity experts and the public; In short, on every- body who has anything to do with the theatre. What cause, you may ask, has he to grumble? His little theatre, once known as a "Blood-and-Flea Pit," has been successful In finance and es- teem. But that Is not the point. "I'eople," he says, "are al- ways ready to jump on any- thing new." He advances the history of his own undertak- ings to prove how cowardly and destructive this attitude Is. According to Mr. Playfalr, the event which laid the foun- dations of his theatre's for- tunes—^the long run of "Abra- ham Lincoln"—was "the big- gest stroke of luck' the man- agement ever has had, or Is likely to have. Wltiiout the aid of fortuitous circumstances, hjs Ideal would have been wrecked, like so many Ideals, because of the general lack of generosity towards all new- comers In the theatre who h.ave something fresh to do or say. . "Intellectual Snobs'* We are a race of Intellectual snobs. While a man is strug- gling, we deride him; when he Is on his feet, we all rush to bask In the sunshine of his success. This, anyhow, Is j painfully true of the critics' attitude to poor Lorat Fraser, among others. He was always laughing, always working, al- ways (owing to war wounds) tired. In Playfalr's history you read of the trcmendpus difil- cultles he had to overcome—' and of the grudging praise or vitriolic blame which were his rew.lrd. At last he won. Very soon afterwards he died. Now no praise can be too high for his exquisite designs, and Imita- tors are reaping where he had sown. Several cases of critics' errors are cited by Pbtytair. They wore not ftllprofes.sional critics. Once a woman at Stratford-on-Avon shook her fist In Lorat F'raser's face and asked how dared he to med- dle witli "our Shakespeare"? Yet Pin yfair Is in a forgiv- ing mood. His loud impreca- tions, he declares, "can seldom ,be he.ard beyond the b.athroom door." and he holds that the critics truly desire the Im- provement of the Engli.sh the- atre. This book should make "many of them sit up. For once that bathroom doo> has not been closed. Delysia Turns Down $2,500 F(M* Cabaret in London London, Dec. 1. Dolysla, currently In Cochran's "Still Dancing," has rejected a $2,- 500 weekly offer from the Piccadilly cabaret management. The refTisal came despite the stipulation of a once nightly .appear- ance, and no Sunday performance. EXHIBS. ASSTf REJECTS London, Dec. 1. The Cinematograph Exhibitors Association, by a considerable majority, h.as rejected the scheme which calls for government as- sistance to tlic Industry, especially In the m.itter of "native footage" In all programs. ■"-'- Paris, Dec. 1. "Robert at Marianne," by Paul Geraldy. At the Com edle Fran« calso. Llkod. Another sentimental comedy by Gorald.v and rather a sequel to "Aimer," It btnng iiie continuation ot the amorous dialog of two lovers. The piece contains but four roles and la In three acts. Alex- andre plays the husband and Ma« dame Plerat the wife. "Le Mariage de Maman," by Louis Verneull. At the Theatre Antolne. Favorably received. B^our-act risque comedy telling ot a m.an who assures his mother-in- law's marriage by eloping with a Baroness. She tries to appropriate the wejilthy pretender In quest of Ills wife's mother. The wife par- dons tiie adventure when It Is ex- plained that the action was In view of her mother's welfare. Charles Deschamps replaced the author In the cast, while Jane Granler returns to the stage In this piece after a long absence. Other players are Arquilllere, Gaston Dubosc and Gal- let. "Epicine" ("The Silent Woman"), Fi-ench version by Marcel Achard from a worlc of Ben Johnson. At the Theatre Montmartre. Approved. Plot tells of a miser wlio seeks a speechless Wife. Dullin plays the miser, with Incidental music for the Iiiecp credited to Cleor^es Auric. "Azais" (title changed from "La Grande Semaine"). by Louis Ver- neull and Georges Berr. At the V'arictes. Well received. An amusing three-act comedy presented by Max Maurey concern- ing the doctrine "Az.als" (every- thing equally distributed during life). The result Is a humble muslo professor becomes wealthy and marries an aristocratic pupil. Cast Includes Max Dearly, Andre Lefaur, Pauley, and the Mmes. Marcelle Lender, Blanche Montel and Mag- d.any. Pierre Juvenet replaced Henri I>averne. "L'infidele Eperdo," by Jacques Natanson. At the Theatre Micho- dlcre (new). Poor Impression. Inaugural for this house and a psyt-hologlcrrl piece of writing by a youthful author, 24, who has rlgen rapidly. It tells of a gallnrvt atfor- ney who flirts with his clients until he suspects his innocent wife of Infidelity, whence he reforms. Harry Baur plays the attorney, wilh otlie? cast members Jane Provost, Valen- tine Tessier and Suzanne Daiitfs. "Denise Marette," by Jean J. Ber- nard. At the Theatre des Jeunes Auteurs. Fair. Andre Calmette l.s the producer of this three-act and gloomy psyclio- logical work. It is of the sacrifices of a famous p.ainter's daughter, the girl declining offern of marriage to paint pictures which her father signs when he Is stricken with par- tial paralysis. The father dies, leaving the girl (Denise) a ho{>eless spinster. Cast includes Catherine Jordane (loaned by Porte Saint Martin), Hubert Preslier, Arvel, Beuven and Claude Lehmann, who replaced Harry Krimmer. "Monsieur Beaucaire." This ver- sion by Andre Mebs^er. At the Marlgny. Warmly greeted. Max Daerly Is tlie producer of this splendidly mounted presenta- tion, sot In a prolog and three acta. Among the pl.ayers are Pujol. I'hillp Molyneux, Andre Baugc in the title role, Gilbert Morna, Pizanl, Morlss, M.arcelle Denya and Henec Camia. The Marlgny Is now the prettiest lyrical theatre In I'aris, following extensive alterations. Wylie's "Walker, Ltd." I.,ondon, Dec. 1. Julian Wylie h.as acquired the mu.sical rights of "W.alker, Ltd.," by Barrle. NO DIVORCE—VALENTINO Paris, Dec. 1. Rudolph Valentino has arrived here. He immediately purchased an automobile. In which he Intends to tour the continent prior to return- ing to the States Jan. 18. Valentino declares he will not commenoi divorce proceedings. tf .N'-v, ■■• •■ v^'l.- ,^ -*-%-ji- •rr-'S ■ '"■*. Ann Luther Hits Pari* Paris, Dec. 1. Ann Luther la here and is re- portpd to be seeking a divorce from Ed Gallat;her in Now York. N Est. HM WILLIAM MORRIS AORNCT. toe. WM. MORRi a tT M. MORRIS, JB. 1560 Broadway, New York Tlffi TILLER SCHOOLS OF DANCING 143 Charing Cross Road LONDON Director, JOHN TILLER